Before getting into today's ride, I want to make a quick comment about my rest day in Abilene. First, the Eisenhower complex was very interesting. It included a visitor center with informative videos, the Eisenhower family home (still located where it was in 1887) and a fascinating museum, all situated in a park like setting. The historical proximity of the Eisenhower presidency and WWII made this all the more relevant. In the evening, most of us went to dinner at the Kirby House, a 19th century mansion, converted to a restaurant. Very nice. Abilene gets a thumbs up.
Topeka is the Kansas state capitol and the largest city that we have been in since leaving L.A.. We couldn't wait to leave.
Unlike the pastoral early morning departure scenes to which we've become accustomed, getting out of Topeka was far different.
Today was another climbing day, more than any other in Kansas. The group was up to the challenge. Larry, sporting multiple bandages, courageously completed the ride. Mike F. was able to ride over 50 miles today and is hoping to ride a full day tomorrow. The rolling landscape was once again scenic although no wildlife to report.
We had our first SAG stop today at a small roadside store.
We didn't exceed the parking time limit.
Guns welcome?
Meandering Delaware River
The boundary between Kansas and Missouri is the Missouri River. This iconic river was the route taken by Lewis and Clark in 1804, actually passing through this very area. It has special meaning to me; in 2004, Kyle and I took a one week camping river trip on the Missouri River, leaving from the Great Falls, MT region. Unfortunately, I could not get a photo of the river. The bridge that we crossed on was a narrow, harrowing steel plate surface structure that is scheduled to be replaced by the new Amelia Earhart bridge in September, 2012. This was a "take the lane" situation. Getting a photo became a secondary consideration.
We had a scenic ride through St. Joseph, MO. The route took us through a park lined by nice homes in a rolling hill setting. St. Joe's is known for being the eastern terminus of the short-lived Pony Express (1860-1861). It is also the town where Jesse James drew his last breath, being on the wrong side of a six-shooter (1882).
Final note: I appreciate all of the kind comments that I have received about my blogsite. I have come up with a new word to describe the combined activities of blogging and cycling: wriding.
Total Miles: 86 Total Vertical Climb: 3400 ft.
I am back home from Costa Rica after a painful 24 hrs of travel. First 100 miles in our rented Daihatsu Bego from sea level to 3,000 ft; exhausting with all that 5-speed stick shifting. I feel your pain. I am catching up on your blog but with intensified empathy; even my knees are starting to hurt. Just remember: I got my eye on you, Mike. I'm with you all the rest of the way, no matter how hard it gets. I can take it. Jim J
ReplyDeleteI am back home from Costa Rica after a painful 24 hrs of travel. First 100 miles in our rented Daihatsu Bego from sea level to 3,000 ft; exhausting with all that 5-speed stick shifting. I feel your pain. I am catching up on your blog but with intensified empathy; even my knees are starting to hurt. Just remember: I got my eye on you, Mike. I'm with you all the rest of the way, no matter how hard it gets. I can take it. Jim J
ReplyDeleteSounds like Topeka is not the place to vacation. Pam and I had a great day in Traverse and toured the Old State Hospital for the Mentally ill (now a wonderfully refurbished building). Munson the founder, in the late 1800's, apparently had a much different view on how patients should be treated. He was convinced the only way to achieve good mental health was to be surrounded by beauty and have meaningful work. They actually were self supporting with farms, gardens, etc. In the evening we returned for a wonderful wine tasting dinner. Michigan wines have come a long way, actually won several golds in world competition. Pam and I sat next to the wine maker from Chateau Chantal. Father Bob, the owner, and former priest, who marrried us, is now retired driving around on his new tractor. We had a toast to you with several of the people we met. They couldn't imagine a journey of 3,400 miles on a bike. Glad to hear Larry and Mike are feeling better. Be safe. Love you
ReplyDeleteSorry to say that I'm getting to like, well...maybe that's going too far, the skull cap and shades. I think Diana should look for a nice hoodie for you for Christmas. So, you'd recommend Abilene over Topeka. Carol & I are still enjoying the commentary. I've been thinking that it might be nice to drive from Detroit to and thru the UP to Duluth. Then bike to Thunder Bay and back.Maybe start about 7/13. WAIT, that must have been a dream. But we could drive real slow and do some nice hiking. Stay safe!!! John & Carol
ReplyDeleteThe ride of out Topeka did not look as fun / beautiful as the rest of them - those big trucks would scare me on a bike (heck sometimes they scare me in a car). There is lots of interesting history in Missouri - i was in Kansas City, MO a few times last year and it is interesting how the river divides it. But - i think i would rather be with Diana sipping wine in northern MI. Safe travels, Linda
ReplyDeleteSo cool!! I am so proud of you for doing this!! Glad you like wriding...that is a good one. Richard says hello and we very much like keeping up with you via your wriding! Be safe. Brenda strausz
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